Learning how to do a fabulous home mani is useful in times like these. When we can’t get out to the nail salons (Covid-19 times) or trying to save a few extra bucks! No shame, I love doing my mani at home, it’s a relaxing task for me!
About five years ago, I was convinced that I had ‘strange nails’ the polish would not stick to them, and within a day they would start peeling off, it was so frustrating. I now know this was because I had no routine, what so ever. I had the one step paint nails attitude. Oh boy, I have come a long way…
Girl, I’m telling you it’s so ‘worth it’ to do what they tell you, base and top coats are for a reason, and they work! My new nail polish routine can last more than seven days!! Let me take you through it, step by step.
Buffing
I buff them around every second time I do my nails, in case they get a little too thin. I don’t personally cut my cuticles ( kind of grosses me out) and I have quite long nail beds anyway. If you do cut the cuticles please be careful.
Filing
Nothing extraordinary here, mine grow fast, so each time I need to file them down a bit. I like a rounded shape, but that’s a personal preference. The three most popular shapes are round, almond and square.
Base Coat
This step is vital for the length of time your polish will last, it’s also important for the health of your nails, protecting them from going yellow. Mine will still sometimes go yellow when wearing the darker shades, but imagine it without the base coat. Do quite a thick coat and let it dry.
Color Polish
I do two coats of polish to get the colour looking strong. The brands I’m currently using are Zoya and Butter London. I love what I call the ‘Tom Ford Red’ which is a deep rich red, and I also love the warm nude colours as well.
Top Coat
Always top coat! Now, don’t be too tempted to do a thick layer, when I have made this mistake, I get pesky little air bubbles on my nails, so annoying if your nails are long like mine. Always ‘cap’ the top of nails too, this help to extend the wear time.
Now for my longevity tip!
Redo the top coat every 2-3 days, so probably two times for the length of your manicure. This dramatically extends the wear time. I might also touch up a few chips with the colour on the ends then it’s needed.
Few nail products I love…
Watch the IGTV!
